One of the friends George has made at various Alzheimer's groups is Tom. Tom and his wife Jane came to New Zealand to be with their son and grandchildren. Until recently Tom was able to drive and the two of them coped very well at home.
Unfortunately they were out walking and Jane fell over. She knocked her head and died... (I guess another earthquake tragedy as this was due to the rotten state of the footpaths). She was buried this week. Poor Tom is feeling very lost. The son, who lives in Rangiora with his family, does not want Tom to be living there. His daughter flew from the UK for the funeral and doesn't want to take Tom back with her. He is not able to be safe on his own especially at the moment. He is being put into a Home tomorrow. It is so sad as he is losing so much at one time and being put with people he doesn't know.
It is so interesting how many people do not have family support to enable them to live in the community for longer. This is what would happen to George if something happens to me and it is what will happen to me.
One thing I fully realise and am grateful for is that mum did not have to go into a home earlier as she was living next door to me.
All we can do is take one step at a time.
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